SYNDICATE - Season 1 - Episode 2

6 years ago

SYNDICATE - Season 1 - Episode 2

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The men had been talking for an hour now, still picking at the food in front of them. Lia was leaning against the wall lazily, half-watching and waiting to clear any dishes.

It was the lack of focus that made her kick herself. A very young girl, only five years old, ran into the room through the legs of other workers. Lia was supposed to be the last line of defense, but the little girl was halfway across the room before Lia sprang into action and ran after her.

“What do you think Kieran?” A man with a salt and pepper beard asked, turning to Kieran. The young man he was addressing, however; was not paying any attention.

He was now looking at the little blond girl running to him. When she reached him, she climbed up his wheelchair and sat on his lap, throwing her arms around his abdomen.

Lia was mortified. She was about to pick up the girl when Kieran raised his hand at her. She stopped. The young man smiled down at the girl. His smile was so brilliant, and so rare, the whole room got utterly quiet.

“What are you doing, Lilly?” His voice was deep and rich.

“I missed you, Kieran,” she responded, her little voice quavering.

“I told you to stay with Miss Ginger.”

“I know,” Lilly pouted.

“Don’t worry, I’ll come play with you soon.” He pinched her cheek playfully. He never ceased to amaze. Lia almost forgot she was standing in front of him, until those eyes, those brilliant eyes, fell on her. The playfulness evaporated, and he nodded to Lia. It was her cue. Lia lifted the child from his lap.

“Apologies, sir,” she said softly, and nodded to the guests before walking briskly from the room.

Lia got a good scolding for that little display. But not from Kieran- never from Kieran. She got an earful from almost everyone elsebutKieran. She cleared the dishes as she was bid. Then she waited for her shift to end. At this point, Lia just wanted to go home… but since she had classes during the day, her shift started later, and ended later than most of the other workers. So she waited in the dining room until the guests went into the cozy sitting room attached to the dining room.

Lia remembered Kieran’s parents doing this as well after their dinner parties. Kieran followed his parent’s example very well. They all got up and went into the sitting room. Kieran was now used to pushing himself around in his chair, which the gloves helped; although, he sometimes still accepted help. Lia followed them and offered coffee or tea. The chef who ran the kitchen, a happy man named Tom, filled her orders and finished shutting down the kitchen. The staff was now trickling out and Lia noticed her mom and sister were already gone.

After the coffee and tea, the men wrapped up their conversation for the night. Lia was standing against a wall, once again, daydreaming. She was forced back into reality by the unison exit of the dinner guests. Lia sprang into action, showing them the door and retrieving their coats for them. She also watched jealously as they drove away in their sports cars and Porsches. She imagined being the daughter of a wealthy business owner as she walked back to the sitting room to clear the coffee and tea cups.

Lia tried to mask her surprise when she saw Kieran still there, leaning to one side of the chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose wearily. She quickly put the dishes in the sink and went back to the room.

“Sir?” she asked. He looked up at her. Lia’s interaction with Kieran was always limited, and she found herself getting nervous whenever they were alone or whenever he addressed her personally. So his direct gaze increased her heartbeat

instantaneously. “Would you like some assistance?” she finished her thought.